Uinta County rancher recognized by Wyo Game and Fish for sustaining habitat
During an evening reception on July 19, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission (WGFC) recognized seven landowners who have displayed excellence in their partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). One landowner was recognized from each WGFD region across the state.
Over the next 14 weeks, the Roundup will provide a brief summary of each ranch receiving the WGFD Landowner of the Year Award. For more information on the award, visit wgfd.wyo.gov.
From the Green River Region, Robert and Maggie Taylor, Zac Schofield and Melissa Taylor of Lonetree Ranch received the 2017 Landowner of the Year Award.
“The Taylors own the Lonetree Ranch in southern Uinta County,” WGFD says, “Robert Taylor, his wife Maggie Taylor, along with their daughter-in-law Marrisa Taylor and son-in-law and ranch manager Zac Shofield, run the day-to-day operations on the ranch.”
The family works to maintain an economically viable working ranch while also enhancing the land and water quality.
WGFD says, “The ranch sits in the Henrys Fork River Valley and is home to hundreds of acres of lush, productive bottomlands, providing high-quality habitat for moose, sage grouse, pronghorn, mule deer, elk, aquatic wildlife and a multitude of non-game species.”
Beginning in 2011, the Lonetree Ranch obtained USDA National Organic Program certification.
“As comprehensive as that program is, no single certification considers every aspect of the ranch’s process,” WGFD says. “The Taylors are constantly assembling their own mix of best practices using both progressive and age-old conservation practices – from weed-eating cashmere goats to a highly detailed Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Plan.”
The family also engages with their community and lives by the “good neighbor” policy.
“They have worked cooperatively with many neighboring landowners, organizations and agencies,” WGFD says.
They continue, “Due to the Taylors ranching techniques that help sustain quality wildlife and fisheries habitat, cooperation with the WGFD and their overall love of wildlife, they are well deserving of this award.”
Saige Albert compiled this article from the 2017 WGFD Landowner of the Year Award program. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
